Defense Systems Program Manager

DescriptionOn-site in Carlsbad, CAOur client seeks a senior, technically oriented Defense Systems Program Manager to own complex sensing-related programs and potentially a broader portfolio. The role requires a technical leader who transitioned into program management, can understand the technology deeply enough to challenge engineering leadership, and will maintain responsibility for overall program execution within classified SAP and SCI environments.Due to federal security clearance requirements, applicant must be a United States Citizen with an active Top Secret clearance. Due to client requirements, applicants must be willing and able to work on a w2 basis. For our w2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401k with company matching, and life insurance.Rate: $175000.00 to $275000.00/hr. w2ResponsibilitiesOwn defense programs or portfolios from technical strategy through execution.Serve as the primary accountable leader for program performance.Understand the organization's technical vision and proactively drive execution against it.Work closely with Project Engineers, architects, and technical leadership.Challenge technical assumptions, schedules, risks, and engineering approaches when appropriate.Manage complex customer and stakeholder relationships.Coordinate program priorities across engineering, leadership, customers, and mission stakeholders.Proactively identify opportunities, risks, and next steps rather than waiting for assigned tasks.Navigate classified program environments, including SAP and SCI programs.Experience RequirementsApproximately 10–12+ years of relevant engineering, program-management, or defense-systems experience.Strong technical foundation, ideally beginning as an engineer or technical systems professional.Experience leading complex defense technology programs.Experience with radar, RF, sensing, ISR, electronic warfare, or similarly complex technical systems preferred.Demonstrated experience operating within Special Access Program (SAP) and SCI environments.Ability to understand sophisticated engineering efforts without needing to personally write code.Executive-level communication and stakeholder-management skills.Strong ownership mentality and ability to operate autonomously.Education Requirements